Fix a flat or replace a tire
#1
Fix a flat or replace a tire
Came out the other day and my back tire was flat. It's a Dunlop D408 200/50r18. I aired it to 42psi and the next morning it was flat again. Today I came home, put it in on the jack to find the problem. I rotated the tire a couple of times until finally I saw a tiny tiny tiny little rock inserted into the tire. I sprayed it, and it was leaking air. I got a tiny little screw driver and pried it out. I contacted my local dealer and asked them about putting a plug in the tire. They recommended replacing the the tire because of the belts that are in the tire would be separated by the plug. I went ahead and put a tire plug in and now debating repair or replace. If I had four tires it wouldn't concern me but only two, I'm not sure. Below is a pic of the rock that was in it and I laid it next to a regular size Allen wrench so you could see the size. 1/4 inch in length. It was sharp.
Last edited by Triple M; 10-28-2014 at 07:28 PM.
#3
I had a Dunlop with only 300 miles and I picked up a screw. I was ready to replace but my dealer actually suggested a plug. The Dunlop website states that a plug can be OK in some cases.
That being said, I rode on the plug but replaced it quite a bit sooner than normal, I just never felt quite right. If it had been a front tire, I would not have considered a plug.
That being said, I rode on the plug but replaced it quite a bit sooner than normal, I just never felt quite right. If it had been a front tire, I would not have considered a plug.
#7
This is a question only you can answer. From your post it seems like you are a bit concerned about it. Peace of mind comes into play here and if you think you can put it out of your mind from a safety perspective then you may get many more miles out of it.
It really comes down to how safe you feel running on a plugged tire.
Personally if money was not a concern I would replace it just so I wouldn't worry about it potentially blowing and causing a potentially life threatening situation. As you mentioned ther are only two tires.
Many folks here have ridden many miles on a plugged tire with no issues.
It really comes down to how safe you feel running on a plugged tire.
Personally if money was not a concern I would replace it just so I wouldn't worry about it potentially blowing and causing a potentially life threatening situation. As you mentioned ther are only two tires.
Many folks here have ridden many miles on a plugged tire with no issues.
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#8
Another vote for plug and ride, repaired many on the road and haven't had one fail yet.